Revocation of Rayani Air's licence a rash decision, many consumers fell victim - PPIM

The revocation of Rayani Air's Air Service Licence (ASL) has been deemed a rash decision and has caused many consumers to suffer losses amounting to hundreds or even thousands of ringgit in unused tickets. Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) chief activist Datuk Nadzim Johan said many of Rayani Air unhappy customers had to spend more money to purchase new air tickets without getting any refunds from the so-called syariah compliant carrier.

"The decision to revoke Rayani Air's licence shouldn't have been done in haste because it involves salaries of workers and air tickets already purchased by the customers, which should be taken into consideration.

"When their licence is revoked, they (Rayani Air) will not be bothered about the salaries of workers and customers' tickets anymore. Why should they? They have already lost their licence," he told Bernama.

On June 13, the Civil Aviation Department and the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) revoked Rayani Air's Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and ASL.

On Monday at least 15 customers who had sought refunds flocked to the company's office in Seksyen 15 here to seek clarifications for the bounced cheques given to them -- only to find that the office was still closed purportedly for Aidilfitri celebration.

Suzila Wati Mohd Sarip, 45, who suffered losses of almost RM7, 000, said she was refunded with a cheque dated June 30 and she deposited it to her account on the same day.

"After four days, I received a letter from the bank saying that it was a bounced cheque," she told Bernama, adding that there were many others who suffered the same fate like her.

Meanwhile, Rayani Air assistant pilot, who insisted anonymity, said he had yet to receive his salary arrears of RM12,000.

"I was promised to have my salary paid before Hari Raya, but nothing has been forthcoming. I'm here to demand for my salary," he said.

Based on the WhatsApp group comprising affected Rayani Air customers, there were at least 140 other people who suffered the same fate.

Numerous attempts to contact the owner of Rayani Air, Ravi Alagendrran and Datuk Karthiyani Govindan, had failed.